Chapter 41

Caleb Monroe's plunge into the water sent the livestream into chaos.

[OMG! Aria predicted this!]

[How did she know? That's insane!]

[Who said Aria was faking it? Come take your L!]

[Is Caleb okay? That looked scary.]

Serena Blake stood at the back of the crowd, her nails digging into her palms. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Her lucky charm had never failed her before.

"Serena, are you alright?" Nolan Reed asked with concern.

Serena forced a smile. "I'm fine. I'm just worried about Caleb..."

She hurried to the bedside, summoning tears on command. "Caleb, this is all my fault..."

Seeing her tear-streaked face, Caleb's resentment inexplicably faded. "It's not your fault..."

The door swung open, and Aria Bennett walked in. Serena's tears froze mid-fall.

"Caleb, how are you feeling?" Aria handed him a glass of water.

Caleb took it, his expression conflicted. "Aria... you were right."

The director wisely ushered the camera crew out of the room.

"I remembered your warning this morning," Caleb muttered, running a hand through his hair. "But when Serena called me, I just..."

Aria nodded in understanding. "It wasn’t your fault."

"About that... talisman..." Caleb hesitated.

Aria pulled one from her bag. "Fifty grand. Friends and family discount."

Caleb transferred the money without hesitation. "Worth it."

Lowering his voice, he added, "There's something... off about Serena."

Aria smiled faintly. "Your luck’s been good lately. Don’t overthink it."

When the door reopened, Caleb looked noticeably better.

"Caleb, you’re glowing!" the director exclaimed.

Caleb patted his breast pocket. "All thanks to Aria’s talisman."

The livestream exploded:

[Aria, open a talisman shop!]

[I’d pay a million for one!]

[Did you see Serena’s face just now?]

[Something’s fishy...]

In the corner, Serena stared daggers at Aria’s back. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She was supposed to be the star.